The novel begins with an archeological expedition in the high Andes of South America, moves to a spaceport in California, and then takes off to visit each of the planets in the solar system.

The main character, Burl Denning, accompanies his father on an expedition to uncover Incan artifacts in a dry, rocky region of the Andes. The expedition learns it is near an alien installation that is draining away the sun's energy. The Dennings locate the installation and shut it down; in the process Burl is exposed to a mysterious electronic charge that allows him to operate the alien controls.

The novel pauses at the California spaceport only long enough to introduce the others who will go on the expedition into the solar system. The space voyage itself is fraught with danger and the problems created by the crew's unfamiliarity with their spaceship's new method of propulsion...